HEALTH: A STUDENT’S GUIDE TO BED BUGS

By Grace Adepoju

Bed bugs are terrible. The common saying “don’t let the bed bugs bite” becomes a reality when these tiny, wingless insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans manifest. They are mostly found in beds, though they can be found in other furniture, like couches and chairs. Bed bugs, which are very small, the size of an apple seed, and reddish-brown in color, are usually hard to spot, but their effects aren’t; they can cause itchy bites on the skin.

The most common ways bed bugs spread are through human travel and transportation. They basically travel with people from one place to another by disguising themselves and hiding in luggage, clothing, and other personal belongings. Bed bugs can also spread through used furniture, mostly second-hand mattresses or couches. They can be found in hotels, apartment buildings, and other places where people come and go. This is why it is extremely important to be aware of the risk of bed bugs when buying used furniture or traveling to unfamiliar places.

Although bed bugs are small, they can be identified as they are not invisible to the human eye. Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, with oval-shaped or flat bodies and six legs. The best way to identify bed bugs is through their infestation signs. The most obvious sign is the bite of the bed bug. When a person is bitten by a bed bug, small, red bumps often appear in a line or cluster on the surface of the skin. They are usually very itchy and may cause swelling or hives. Another sign of a bed bug infestation is finding bed bug exoskeletons, also known as shedding. They come in the form of hard, brown shells that bed bugs leave behind when they molt or shed their skin.

Due to the fact that bed bugs are nocturnal by nature, they are most active during the night when their hosts are asleep. They are attracted to body heat and exhaled carbon dioxide, enabling them to locate their human hosts effortlessly. After feeding for 3–10 minutes, they retreat to their hiding spots, making them challenging to detect during the day. These resilient pests can survive for several months without a blood meal, adding to the difficulty of eradicating infestations.

Scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, these small, elusive insects have plagued humans for centuries; however, they are not known to cause any disease yet, but they cause health problems for people. The most common health issue associated with bed bugs is allergic reactions. Some people are allergic to the proteins in bed bug saliva, and they may experience more severe reactions when bitten. These reactions can include severe itching, redness, swelling, and hives. Bed bug bites can also lead to a skin infection called cellulitis, but only in rare cases.

Note that bed bugs are not a sign of uncleanliness or poor hygiene, as the stereotype says. Anyone can get bed bugs, and they can infect the cleanest of homes. They are not necessarily attracted to dirt. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide that humans exhale.

Bed bug infestations require immediate action. There are a variety of treatment options available, and a professional exterminator can help you get rid of them. The good news is that bed bug infestations can be prevented. There are certain things that can be done to prevent bed bugs from infesting one’s home and surroundings, such as: furniture or clothing that has been used should be inspected before bringing it into your home; floors and carpets should be cleaned regularly. Bedding and clothing should be washed in hot water and dried on high heat, and mattresses and bed frames should also be inspected for any signs of bed bugs. Cracks or crevices in the home should be sealed up to prevent bed bugs from crawling through them.

It is advisable to carry out a regular inspection of your home for any signs of bed bugs. And finally, if you travel, be sure to inspect your hotel room for any signs of bed bugs. If you find any, the hotel staff should be notified as soon as possible.

Bed bugs can also be treated. The most common treatment method is through the use of pesticides. Pesticides are effective, but they should only be used by a professional exterminator. It is important to follow all the instructions carefully and to keep children and pets away from the area being treated. Another treatment option is heat treatment. This involves using high heat to kill the bed bugs and their eggs. This is also usually done by a professional exterminator. A third option is using a steam cleaner. The high heat of the steam can kill bed bugs and their eggs. Basically, bed bugs do not survive high temperatures.

If exterminators can’t be afforded, there are verified DIY (do it yourself) treatments one can use. A reputable brand of treatment should be used, and one must be sure to follow all of the instructions carefully. Make sure to monitor the area after treatment to make sure the bed bugs are gone. DIY treatments should only be used as a last resort, as the best and most effective way to get rid of bed bugs is by hiring a professional exterminator.

Bed bugs can have a substantial impact on human health, both physically and psychologically, and for students restrained by the amenities and resources available in the school environment, bed bugs can become their worst nightmare. However, understanding their behavior, timely identification, and proactive prevention are essential in combating these resilient pests and maintaining a healthy living environment.